Community support for Orange Round

A huge crowd turned out on the weekend to celebrate the Orange Round at local football and soccer games on Phillip Island. The Orange Round is a Gippsland initiative that started in 2015 to raise awareness about family violence and violence against women and girls.

The round has been embraced by the local community and this year’s event was spearheaded by Change for Sam, the initiative formed in the wake of Sam Fraser’s death. Change for Sam project coordinator Pam Parker thanked the local community for rallying behind the Orange Round.

“We’re exceptionally thankful to the local community for all their support, particularly the Phillip Island Football Netball Club and the Phillip Island Soccer Club.” Pam said on both days, people came and talked to the Change for Sam team with many young children asking exactly what the Orange Round meant. Stalls and displays on the day helped highlight the issue. Local MP, Jordan Crugnale addressed the players at Saturday’s football match.

“The Phillip Island community has already called for and shown commitment for change and this is an opportunity for our community to demonstrate real leadership going forward,” Ms Crugnale said. “We know cultural change doesn’t just happen. It takes continual and at times challenging conversations to create positive change – but it’s worth it.

“Every one of us plays a part in creating change so we are asking you all to keep stepping up and setting the example. Be champions for gender equality within your communities and don’t shy away from uncomfortable conversations. “We must stand together and commit ourselves to a better safer future for all.” Ms Crugnale then asked the players and crowd to join in a minute’s silence in honour of Sam Fraser and all other victims and survivors of family violence.

Chris Ross, President of PI Football Netball Club, said the crowd was much bigger than normal home games, describing it as an awesome day. “As a football club, we are really proud to be part of these events. It’s a great opportunity for our members to be involved and learn more about the problem society has with family violence,” he said.

He congratulated the Change for Sam group and GippSport for their work in putting the day together. The Orange Round started with the Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault (GCASA) formed a local partnership with AFL Gippsland, GippSport, Netball Victoria, Quantum Support Services and Gippsland Women’s Health. Jane Barr. CEO of the GCASA said the different organisation came together to support the Change for Sam committee.